DIY Methods to Get Rid of Rats
Snap Traps
Traditional snap traps remain one of the most effective and humane ways to kill rats quickly. Place traps perpendicular to walls with the trigger plate facing the skirting board. Bait with peanut butter, chocolate spread, or dried fruit. Check traps daily and wear gloves when handling.
Bait Stations with Rodenticide
Tamper-resistant bait stations containing anticoagulant rodenticide can tackle larger infestations. Always use locked bait boxes to protect children, pets, and non-target wildlife. Follow the label instructions carefully and check stations every few days to replenish bait and remove dead rodents.
Electronic Traps
Battery-powered electronic traps deliver a lethal high-voltage shock when a rat enters. They are enclosed, making them safer around pets, and most include an indicator light so you know when a kill has been made. Clean the trap between uses.
Seal Entry Points
Rats can squeeze through gaps as small as 25 mm. Inspect the exterior of your property for holes around pipes, vents, and cables. Block gaps with wire wool packed tightly and sealed with quick-setting cement or metal kick plates. This step is essential — trapping alone will not solve the problem if rats can re-enter.
Professional Rats Control
DIY methods work well for small, early-stage infestations. However, if you are still seeing signs of activity after two weeks of trapping, or if the infestation is widespread across multiple rooms or floors, it is time to call a professional.
A qualified pest controller will carry out a thorough survey of your property to identify the species, the scale of the infestation, and every entry point. They use professional-grade rodenticides and tamper-proof bait stations that are more potent than consumer products, combined with strategic trap placement in areas you may not have considered.
Crucially, a professional will also implement proofing measures — sealing entry points with rodent-proof materials and advising on environmental changes to make your property less attractive to rats. This combination of knockdown treatment and long-term prevention is what separates professional control from a DIY approach that only addresses the symptoms.
Need professional rats control? BuzzKill Pest Control offers fast, effective treatment with no call-out charge.
How to Prevent Rats
Remove Food Sources
Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills immediately, and do not leave pet food out overnight. Secure bin lids and avoid overfilling wheelie bins. Compost bins should be enclosed and turned regularly.
Eliminate Harbourage
Keep gardens tidy by cutting back overgrown vegetation, removing piles of wood or debris, and trimming shrubs away from walls. Rats thrive in cluttered areas where they can nest undisturbed.
Maintain Drains
Broken or damaged drains are a major entry point for rats. Have drains surveyed with a CCTV camera if you suspect damage, and repair any cracks or collapsed sections promptly. Fit non-return valves where appropriate.
Block Access Points
Fit bristle strips to the base of doors, cover air bricks with galvanised mesh, and ensure pipe penetrations through walls are tightly sealed. Check your roof line for gaps where rats could climb in from overhanging trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can rats multiply?
A single pair of brown rats can produce up to five litters per year with 7–8 pups in each. Under ideal conditions, a small rat problem can become a large infestation within just a few months, which is why early action is important.
Are rats dangerous to health?
Yes. Rats carry diseases including leptospirosis (Weil's disease), salmonella, E. coli, and hantavirus. They contaminate food and surfaces with their urine and droppings, and their gnawing can damage electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fire.
What is the best bait for rat traps?
Peanut butter is widely regarded as the most effective bait for rat traps. It has a strong smell that attracts rats and sticks to the trigger plate so the rat cannot remove it without setting off the trap. Chocolate spread and dried fruit also work well.
Do ultrasonic repellers work on rats?
There is limited scientific evidence that ultrasonic repellers are effective against rats. Rats may initially be startled by the sound but typically habituate to it quickly. Professional pest controllers do not recommend them as a primary control method.
How much does professional rat control cost in the UK?
Professional rat control in the UK typically costs between £120 and £250 depending on the severity of the infestation and number of visits required. BuzzKill Pest Control offers competitive pricing with no call-out charge.